Temptations

Transcribed by Charity

The single figure, waiting patiently by the falls for her beloved did not hear the soft steps of a snakelike advisory as he approached. Her mind was intent upon the waters, rushing, swirling, almost hypnotically out of reach. John had disappeared; he had sworn to come back to her, but many weeks had passed and he had not reappeared.

A soft snapping of a twig aroused Lorna, and she glanced up to find Carver standing, watching her. His arrogant stance immediately spoke of danger, and she swiftly rose to her feet, intent upon escape. But as she passed, he turned, inquiring, "Who were you waiting for?"

"No one," she replied, and swiftly hurried away through the trees. Lorna prayed that Carver wouldn't follow, but he did, dogging her steps like a cat, soon stepping in front of her, hemming her against the limbs of a sprawling oak.

"I wanted to talk to you." Carver's eyes caressed her slender form, finding at last the twin pools of almond that reflected his own image. He sensed her fear almost with the determination of a predator, and preyed upon it, stepping intimately close. "You are very beautiful, Lorna. You know how much I admire you... how much I love you."

Lorna's heart pounded as she attempted to step back, hedged in by the tree branches, finding herself a close-hewn prisoner. Carver's solid form stood in her way of freedom, and from his stance, he had no inclination of moving. Praying her voice would remain stable, she managed, "I am unworthy of your affection."

"That is for me to decide." Carver took a step closer, leaving only a few inches between them, laying his hands gently upon her face. "We were meant to be together... you know that." 

"Because Ensor wishes it?"

"Because we do," he purred, caressing her skin with tempting fingers, "and always have." His eyes fell upon her lips, and for a moment he considered, before gently lowering his head. Lorna drew back, shoving against his chest, and managed to dart free as he reclaimed his sense of dignity. However, Carver was swift, and snatched her arm, bringing her up sharply. His anger was clearly expressed in every line of his face, in the words that he spat hatefully at her.

"I could have a hundred women!"

"Take them, then!" Lorna retorted, but a second's pause gave her time to reconsider the danger that lurked in those two pools of blue; and instantly she knew that she had made a mistake. "I do not mean to offend you," she whispered, and his silk-coated, throaty voice responded with all the ill intentions of a serpent.

"What does offense have to do with it? What do I care about your sly ways of tormenting a man?"

Indignation at his views of her character set root deeply within Lorna's soul, and she asked in disbelief, "You think I'm playing some kind of game with you? Then listen to me! I have never loved you Carver, and I never could! If you do love me as you say, then leave me alone!"

Glaring into his eyes, Lorna moved as if to leave, but instantly his fingers were at her throat and he drew her back forcefully. His eyes glittered with unbridled fury. "You will be my wife!" he swore, and Lorna, unable to breathe, was a second in response. 

"Ensor will never let you force me."

Dark brows peaked, and almost a sardonic expression of cruel and malicious expectation filled the handsome features. "Ensor will not live much longer!" The pale eyes caressed her face before his lips descended upon her own. It was a pressing, powerful, ill-intentioned kiss, merely a glance at what would come with their marriage, and Lorna struggled against him, but was unable to free herself from that strong-handed grip. 

"We will be married the day after his death, and you will love me!" Throwing her away from him, Carver watched as a tearful Lorna cast one last despairing glance at him and then fled through the trees. He watched her go with the look of a predator, satisfaction glittering deep within.

Lorna would not defy him again.